Chapel Hill United Methodist ChurchWe are called to Receive, Live and Give the Gospel of Jesus Christ2016-11-30T17:54:34Zhttp://www.chapelhill-umc.com/?feed=atomWordPresshttp://www.chapelhill-umc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/cropped-crossnflame_square-32x32.jpgBeckyhttp://www.chapelhill-umc.com/?p=55002016-11-30T16:16:17Z2016-11-30T16:16:17ZContinue reading History Leaves of the Methodist Tree – December→]]>

HISTORY LEAVES OF THE METHODIST TREE
Compiled by Johnny Cordell

During the Civil War, the congregation of Henniger’s Chapel (Historic Chapel Hill), like the community as a whole, was evenly split on their sympathies regarding support of the Union and Confederacy. In 1861, William Stewart of Henniger’s Chapel was appointed a captain of a company of Confederate volunteers from the community, many of whom were members of the church. In later years, after the war, William’s son, the Rev. John R. Stewart, recounts one of his experiences in his book, The Story of My Life when he was a small boy in the summer of 1863.

“This was the year when the Federal troops invaded Sequatchie Valley; it was in August. Being nine years of age then, I have a vivid ineffaceable memories of those awful times The first “Yankee” I saw was on my grandfather’s farm (present home of Mr. & Mrs. Jim Taylor Stewart, see footnote 1) where several men were harvesting wheat. Anderson Stewart, about my age, was there also. The men were standing in a group around a large walnut tree when four or five “Blue Coats” rode up. Anderson and I made a dash for safety, thinking that perhaps the soldiers would use their guns on some or all present. After we saw that the soldiers were talking in a friendly way with the men, we ventured back that we might get a close-up of these “terrible men” about whom we had heard so much. Although I saw them under many trying circumstances afterwards, that was the last time I was afraid of the “Blue Coats.”

“In a very short while after this a squad of soldiers came to our home (present farm of Sam Rogers, see footnote 2). They came through a large gate at the barn and dashed up to the yard fence and the orchard adjacent to the yard. Peaches were ripe and a lot of shoats (young hogs) were in the orchard eaten the fallen fruit and were fat and fine but were not large. The soldiers helped themselves to them, liberally, shot down several; and one thing that we were certain not to forget, a soldier ran his bayonet through the neck of a small shoat and put his gun on his shoulder and walked off with the small porker kicking and squalling as he went.”

“The Federal soldiers were raiding our farm and after they had gone, we were unable to find two yearlings steers; one of which my father had given me and the other I had bought from Mr. Siah Rogers with the money I had made going to mill for neighbors whose horses were gone. We had saved old Pats, while she was fat and good looking, she had more age on her than the soldiers liked. I was not so fortunate as to my yearlings. They had gone with the Yankees and I was dead broke.”

“I was sent to Uncle Jim Stewart’s store (present home of Mr. & Mrs. Sam Kelly, see footnote 3) for something, and when I was ready to start back home, Uncle Jim said, “John you had better go back through the field by your Uncle Joe Lamb; the Yankees are likely to take your mare from you.” I acted on his suggestion and before I got to Uncle Joe’s (present home of Mr. & Mrs. Cue Wilson – see footnote 4), I met two Yankee soldiers armed. They stopped me and ordered me down. I sat still and argued with them. One of them got me by the bare leg and started to push me off. Just then the one holding the reign let go and I clapped by heels against old Pat’s sides and she sprang away from them in a dead run. They cocked their guns but I went on and left them. Uncle Jim said when I told him about it, “It’s a thousand wonders they didn’t shoot you.”

The author, The Reverend John R. Stewart, was one of six ordained ministers produced by Henniger Chapel/Chapel Hill Methodist Church.

Footnotes

Currently home of Keith Pickett

Currently owned by Mike Lamb

Currently owned by Billy & Donnie Johnson

Currently owned by Sue White Manning

Sources “Chapel Hill” Edna Susong Jackson

Next article will focus on a brief history of Methodism and current organizational structure

We are very happy to announce our Servant of the Month for December to be Stacey Blevins. What a wonderful choice! Stacey is always doing something to help out our church. She is usually here on Wednesday pitching in where needed, and helps with the children when called upon. She is a member of Ethel’s Sunday school class which should come as no surprise and is faithful in her worship attendance. Stacey, your church family thanks you for all you do!

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:23

Sisters in Christ is the Women’s Ministry of Chapel Hill. Sisters in Christ meet the 2nd Monday of each month at 6 pm. They are continuing their study of “Audacious”, by Beth Moore. Please feel free to join this wonderful group of women. Their next meeting is Monday, December 12, 2016.

December Missions Featured Project – Christmas for Needy ChildrenOur project for December will again be to provide Christmas gifts for 19 local needy children who need someone to brighten their Christmas. Dawn Jones has a list of names with ages, clothes sizes, and two toys on their wish lists. You may receive a name from her at any Sunday worship service from now through December 3 or call her at 949-4937. The gifts should be delivered to Griffith Elementary School by Tuesday, December 12, or you may give them to her at church by Sunday, December 10. The presents should not be wrapped because the parents will be picking them up, and most likely giving them to the children on Christmas Day. Please try to fit all of your child’s gifts into one extra-large gift bag. if they will not all fit into one bag, try to make sure the gifts stay together. What a wonderful way to share the love of Christ this Christmas season!

Thank you for your support!

OTHER MISSION NEWS:

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – we sent 21 boxes along with the shipping cost of seven dollars per box to Samaritan’s Purse. Thank you for helping with this worthwhile project.

ARK SINGERS –in a new update, we have heard that Anatoly is continuing treatment in Israel. They found a blood clot near his lung on November 7 and there is still some (cancer?) formation on his lungs. They will need to stay in Israel for two more months for another course of treatment with some new medications. We will be collecting the fourth quarter donation during December. He sends his thanks for your concern and care, Please keep him in your prayers and all the people of the Ukraine.

Every 3rd Sunday of the month, they hold their monthly breakfast and meeting in the fellowship hall of the church at 7:00 AM. If you are interested in becoming a member of this group please contact the church office at (423) 949-4847 and your name will be passed along to a group member. The Men’s group of Chapel Hill is gearing up for their 33rd Annual BBQ in October.

The monthly Men’s group will meet next on Sunday, December 18 at 7 am for their monthly prayer breakfast. Wives are invited to join the men for breakfast in December.

The Methodist Men of Chapel Hill do NOT meet in May (Decoration Day) or October (BBQ).

Chapel Hill holds a Jail Ministry service on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Sequatchie County Justice Center. We also provide cake & individual ice cream cups for those who are celebrating their birthday that month on the following Wednesday afternoon. Along with Chapel Hill UMC, other churches in Dunlap also provide services for the inmates of Sequatchie County. Please feel free to join our church any 2nd Tuesday at 6:00 to minister to those serving their sentences for the poor choices they have made. Let us be the hands & feet of Jesus. We are in need of donations toward the birthday cakes. You may either bake a cake or make a donation towards the purchase of a cake. Please contact the church office at 423.949.4847 Monday thru Friday 8-12.

Matthew 25:39-40

39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

The Sequatchie County Jail Ministry team will meet at 6:00 on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Come & bless those in our county justice system & also be blessed in return.